The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored

by George Weigel

What does being a Catholic mean? Is there a distinctively Catholic way of seeing things? What does the Catholic Church teach about the human condition -- about our lives, our loves, and our destiny? In The Truth of Catholicism, best-selling author George Weigel explores these perennial questions through the prism of ten contemporary controversies.

The Catholic Church may be the most controversial institution in the world. Some find its teachings inexplicable, puzzling, even cruel. George Weigel suggests that we look at Catholicism and its controversies from "inside" the convictions that make those controversies not only possible, but necessary The truths of Catholicism then come into clearer focus as affirmations and celebrations of human life and human love, even as they challenge us to imagine a daring future for humanity and for ourselves.

Is Jesus uniquely the savior of the world? Does belief in God limit our freedom? What are we doing when we pray? Is the moral life about rules or about happiness? Doesn't suffering contradict the biblical claim that God is good? How does the Catholic Church think about other Christians and about other great world religions? Are Catholics safe for democracy? What will become of us? In an engaging, accessible style, George Weigel leads us through these and other questions into the truth of Catholicism: the truth about a God passionately in love with his creation, the truth about a love that creates a vast, liberating terrain on which to live a fully human life.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Spirituality, Faith

196 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

American author and political and social activist. Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Weigel was the Founding President of the James Madison Foundation.

Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.

He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Reviews

[Pamela Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I have personally debated with the practices of the Catholic faith; there is an element to truth, in their teachings. The problem is spirituality and who really has the authority to forgive sin. To name a few issues that I have in accepting them as Christians which means to be in Christ likeness and has no relationship to rituals and faith in Mary or even the Pope, but equal in responsibility for spreading truths to the people of the earth is for everyone. There has never been a select few, and when I think about the Apostles they were servants of the Lord and died martyrs in humble spirits. So many other denominations will hold opposition to the Catholic beliefs and Confessional way of admitting sin. This does not mean they are excluded from Heaven as the Lord states to believe on Him. Many will come out from among them, and already have to understand the spiritual things of God. At one time in Rome as they became a political power they wanted to be in control of the people and this is what we see today. Most all churches and their beliefs have been reformed to knowing the truth, and others have left the faith just like we see in Revelation. Marriage as described as the Church taught this had a theory of the "ends" or purposes, of marriage that too often turned into a denigration of sexual love. According to this theory, the "primary end" of marriage, and of sex, was the procreation and education of children. ... the truth of Marriage is the joining of symbolism and not of theory to bring Christ as the Husband and His Wife to the wedding banquet the rapture, which is soon to take place. The sex is far below standards of Gods love for the people,and purity and abstinence for living for Jesus takes priority than that which takes place on the earth. There will be many issues that a true believer who studies the word will not agree with. The Christian is to love all those who are caught up in their dogma it would take a full study to understand these differences. Marriage and sex is not darkened by sin so there is no other reason but to have children. Issues like these combine with other false teachings, and the minds are sometimes clouded with unbelief on certain issues. The Christian who follow Christology will see marriage and sex as a gift from God and no matter what level of spirituality He will give all people gifts that are children. This first union of man and woman creates a spiritual bond. God sees it at defiled and confession and turning from sin as David and Bathsheba did was never cursed but was never given the blessings had they not defiled the bed they would have been joined by God in blessings. God still loves His people so no matter where they are in their faith or whatever their interpretation of the scriptures He is there to love all of us. I am a strong believer in knowing other people and what they believe purely for their sake to bring light and love in friendship. A friendship is what brings the love of Jesus into the hearts of others. God deals with people with people, religion is just an act handed down by generations of a people who did not understand or want the part of God who is Spirit into their faith. This gives them control over those who are blind to the words and teachings of the infant assemblies since the time of the Apostles written in their Creed the true doctrine of Christianity. I have learned a lot from Catholicism and other religions...but I live the life of a Christian which is following after Jesus and His teachings rather than men.

[Nic Lishko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs an update, but this was good!

[Xerodog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author puts forth a rational set of arguments if the reader is willing to accept his starting points. I read the iBook edition and could not find when it was first published, though frequent reference to Pope John Paul II and mention of (then) Cardinal Ratzinger dates its pretty well.
Near the end of the book Weigel distinguishes between a life of middling happiness with a minimum of pain sought by many secularists and contrasts it with the call to heroism and discernment demanded of believers; but surely many secularists yearn for justice and make heroic efforts to achieve it just as many religious (in this instance, Catholic) people are content to settle for certainty and complacency. In fairness, Weigel argues that being a sincere Catholic means not being a complacent one and he is also clear that no small amount of effort lies beyond assenting to belief.
I would have appreciated some discussion of capital punishment and the scandal of pedophilia. I live in Texas at present where i) they execute people; and ii) Catholic belief is taken seriously. This contrasts to my native Australia where (i) doesn't happen and (ii) is much more casual. The closest that I have heard the Catholic clergy here come to criticizing executions is something said to the effect that even murderers were entitled to spiritual counsel. You might make an argument for capital punishment on the grounds of punishment, suffering and justice, but it's not one that apologists seem to want to make. Pedophilia is such a rock to get out from under that it is avoided, though perhaps not so much was known with certainty when the book was published.
Nevertheless, this book does present a good clear conservative case for the Catholic faith and manages in places to present an alternative to the widely held belief that the Church is a bad-tempered old uncle raving against the modern world. In fact, it is very interesting and pertinent in its discussion of the necessary basis of democracy in the present day. The question of whether a democratic form of government can survive in the absence of a cultural assent to certain truths or whether moral relativism will crack its foundations is pertinent and perhaps more relevant now than when the book was written. On the other hand, not every form of democratic government is as fractured as the American one appears to be (September, 2015).

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CATHOLIC AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST EXPLAINS TEN "HOT BUTTON" ISSUES

Author George Weigel is a theologian and author of books such as 'Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II,' 'God's Choice: Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Catholic Church,' 'The Courage To Be Catholic: Crisis, Reform And The Future Of The Church,' etc.

He wrote in the introductory section of this 2001 book, "This small book explores ten of the controversies provoked by Catholicism today, from inside the convictions that make those controversies necessary. It is intended for Catholics who are anxious, curious, or unsure about what their Church really teaches and why, and Catholics who want to share their beliefs with friends and family, especially the young.

"It is equally intended for the many people who find it difficult to reconcile their admiration for certain Catholics---Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Pope John Paul II, their next-door neighbor, or their coworker---with what seem incomprehensible, even cruel, doctrines. By coming inside and seeing how the Catholic vision of the human condition and the human prospect fit together, both the curious and the discontented will, it is hoped, be able to see affirmation and celebration of the human project in Catholicism, not condemnation and mindless prohibition." (Pg. 3)

He says of the liturgical changes after Vatican II, he says, "Though a small minority continues to find these changes difficult to accept, most Catholics have welcomed them enthusiastically, according to available survey research. It is true that Catholic practice, attendance at Sunday Mass and reception of the sacrament of penance ... has declined since Vatican II, in some instances precipitously.

"It would be a logical fallacy to assume that what happened after the Council always happened because of the Council, however. In the broadest terms, liturgical renewal has been widely accepted, and it is nostalgic to imagine a return to the way things were." (Pg. 61)

He observes, "The judgment that the Catholic Church is both prudish and sex-obsessed is deeply entrenched in the Western world today... But it's not the way things really are... the Church itself contributed to the myth's formation... Catholicism taught that marriage was a vocation, included marriage among the seven sacraments, and insisted that the couple... were the ministers of the sacrament of matrimony.

"Yet for centuries the Church also taught a theory of the ... purposes of marriage that too often turned into a denigration of sexual love... The Catholic Church never officially taught that sexual love within the bond of marriage was inherently and intrinsically darkened by sin. To the contrary, the old marriage ritual included an instruction to the newlyweds in which they were told that 'no greater blessing can come to your married life than pure, conjugal love, loyal and true to the end.'" (Pg. 92-93)

He points out, "the Catholic Church believes that ecumenism and interreligious dialogue are not like old-fashioned labor negotiations. Ecumenism and interreligious dialogue are not, in other words, zero-sum games, in which one side's loss is necessary for the other's gain... If the Catholic Church would just give a bit on the unique salvific role of Jesus Christ, then Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus could concede that Jesus might be the savior of Christians, if not their own savior.

"It sounds reasonable---if you think religious truth claims are of little consequence, or if you think there is no such thing as truth. From the Catholic point of view... the labor negotiation model of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue doesn't work... If there are truths at stake, then anyone's loss is everyone's loss, and a gain of insight is everyone's gain." (Pg. 130-131)

Weigel’s provocative and informative book will be of great interest to anyone (particularly conservatives) interested in contemporary Catholic issues.

[Dan-Linh Le · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book came off with a strong sense of moral superiority and felt like they were speaking for the individuals they mentioned in the book such as the LGBTQIA community. “The church does not teach that homosexuality as an orientation. It does teach what many, perhaps even most, homosexuals experience-that this form of sexual attraction is a trial and burden.” Who are YOU to tell these people that they are a burden and how they love is such a painful life?

Also, this talk about self-sacrificing love and how it is “the ultimate gift of self, the gift of one’s life in martyrdom”. It’s ironic how they said abortion and euthanasia is murder but glorify martyrdom. How is that any different? You disregard your life and die for your faith. You sure God wants you to die for him? Isn’t the whole point for him dying for us so we don’t die?

I wanted to challenge myself and read a variety of books, to challenge my thoughts, but this was a blatant reminder of why I’m not longer part of this faith.

[Cliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Protestant who is very ecumenical and is...well, sympathetic to several of the claims of the Catholic Church to the point where he's not 100% sure where he ought to be, this was a decent-but-unexceptional book. I'm a fan of Weigel's writings overall and have read a few of his writing. This book essentially reaffirmed much of what I've come to believe about the claims of the Catholic Church and its teachings, most of which I'm sympathetic to, and all of which I've come to appreciate even if I have not yet fully accepted.

That said, as a one-volume explanation of many of these issues that the less-well-read/discussed struggle with, it's actually quite strong. Weigel's explanations are clear and unapologetic while still full of grace and understanding. I'd give it 3 1/2 if Goodreads would let me. It's worthwhile.

[David Doel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written when John Paul II was still living and still Pope. George Weigel is a John Paul II groupie -- nearly every chapter quotes the pope. George Weigel is also well-read and quotes many entries in the religious and philosophical canon. He often argues in an apologetic (an interesting word) style which occasionally yields a silly result. An example -- a priest must be male because he is portraying Christ in the sacrifice of the Mass (could the priest be replaced by an actor leaving all other parish duties to a woman?).

I generally agreed with the book, but not so strongly as to recommend it to others. My guess is that George Weigel doesn't like Donald Trump much, but supports most of his actions as president.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and digest, although the topics are a little scattered and the author does not go into any significant depth. It seemed more like a collection of magazine articles loosely related to the same topic. The discussion is also about 20 years old, which does affect the relevance of a few of the chapters.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Jordan Maloney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christian apologia. A more fitting title for this may have been "In Defense of Catholicism".

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Good sections on the Catholic Faith and how The Church has a place in Democracy and Freedom.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Weigel has written a little masterpiece here. The Truth of Catholicism is a gem with a simple premise: accept an invitation to examine Catholicism from the inside and one might likely end up staying. Like Witness to Hope his, authoritative biography of Pope John Paul II where Weigel successfully attempted to understand the Pope from the inside, Weigel here looks at the central principles and beliefs of Catholicism and how these radiate outwards to create a cohesive and compelling engagement with the world-in short he examines Catholicism from the inside.

One of the book's great gifts is the accessibility of the writing. I am always struck by how Weigel can take the complex and lengthy and render it understandable and concise. Weigel does not avoid the thorny issues either; rather, this book is about the thorny issues, about how Catholicism's primary convictions lead to convincing answers about the tough questions. Take for instance the often debated question of women's ordination. In just a few short pages, Weigel offers a persuasive answer to why the Catholic Church teaches that she cannot ordain women. (I will let you read the book to get his answer).

Truth of Catholicism is a great gift for inquiring minds of any or no faith. For those who are puzzled by the paradox of a person like Cardinal O'Connor who could be a forceful teacher of the Church's sexual doctrine while changing the bedpans of AIDS patients, this book explains that there is no paradox. Catholic Christianity when lived to its fullest does not lend itself to the neat labels of the secular press. The book is also a great read for the average Catholic who like me is the product of poor catechesis. In a short 180 pages, Weigel teaches more than one is likely to learn in most Catholic religious education programs over one's childhood and adolescence.

In short, I cannot recommend Weigel's book highly enough. It paints a picture of an intoxicating adventure-the adventure of Catholicism.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the last reading assignment of the program, for the final course, "Catholic Identity." This text was supposed to wrap up the past couple of years' study and answer any unresolved questions. However, it mostly seemed to give a generalized, conservative overview of the most controversial topics in our faith, to the point of seeming like Catholic propaganda at times. The sections on other faith traditions and Catholicism and democracy were somewhat worthwhile to me.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not bad, but it didn't answer the questions I wanted. A lot of it is a basic answering of Christian principle and the specifically Catholic parts were fairly superficial. (Not the "controversies" advertised.) In addition, he used several examples that he never really explained (eg, "icons" and the idea of becoming good enough to live in heaven with God.) I want more of a comparison of Catholicism to other kinds of Christianity - transubstantiation, purgatory, etc. Any suggestions?

[Hunter Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A weighty subject that is handled expertly by Weigel, this should be a must read for all Catholics, as well as those who oppose the church. You'll see things in a fresh light that will only deepen your faith.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weigel provides some excellant defences to current relgious controverises. This book seems geared more for active Catholics, rather than those inquiring into the Church.

[Sarah Kim]

Catholics do so much right.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, succinct explanations of key questions people have about the Catholic Church. A great book to own, study, and understand.

[Phil Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read that provides some broad insights into the Catholic faith. Appreciated the author's knowledge and references to past Encyclicals.

[Angela Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book to a lot of people.